WHAT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDANCE

Class attendance policies are not determined by Disability Services, nor can Disability Services excuse attendance. Because attendance may be integral to the pedagogic process, these policies are set by faculty or the departments.

In some cases, attendance is fundamental to course objectives; for example, students may be required to interact with others in the class, to demonstrate the ability to think and argue critically, or to participate in group projects. In other instances, faculty may determine that students can master course content despite some or many absences.

Similarly, faculty also determine policies regarding make-up work and missed quizzes and exams. Faculty are not required to lower academic standards or substantiallymodify course expectations. Faculty may choose to be consistent with enforcement of the policies.

Students need to have a clear understanding of each professor's course attendance policy in order to make informed choices about which courses to take.

WHAT DISABILITY SERVICES CAN DO FOR STUDENTS

Disability Services can provide faculty with written verification of a student's disability, based on appropriate medical and/or psychological documentation. This notification can address the legitimacy of absences.

Notifications may be distributed to faculty in order to initiate discussions of attendance and make-up policies and procedures between student and professor. Listen closely to announcements about attendance and make-up policies and procedures. Also, check your course syllabus for information about these issues.

If you have a flair-up that requires medical or therapeutic attention, and verification is sent to this office, Disability Services will contact your instructors.